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Progress Report on the Education Reform (2) Foreword The reform of our education system has been implemented for over two years since the proposals were put forward by the Education Commission (EC) and accepted by the Chief Executive in his Policy Address in October 2000. In the last two years, some of these reform proposals were put into practice progressively by the major implementation bodies. These proposals include firstly, changing the examination-oriented mode of learning to encourage students to be more proactive in learning. We have introduced reform to the Primary One Admission System to eliminate any incentives for drilling so as not to subject young children to excessive pressure. We have also abolished the Academic Aptitude Test for secondary school admission. Secondly, we also promote diversity in school operation. In the last few years, many special and unique schools/channels of learning have been developed under this policy. They include "through-train" schools, Direct Subsidy Scheme schools, senior secondary schools, Project Yi Jin courses and associate degree courses. Thirdly, we focus on promoting teaching effectiveness. Efforts have been made to improve the school curriculum and methods of teaching and to promote a new culture of assessment. Fourthly, to support the Education Reform, we strive to promoting the quality and professionalism of our frontline educators. Efforts have been made to provide training and support for teachers and to establish a suitable framework of qualifications and standards of the teaching profession. To ensure the effective and smooth implementation of the Education Reform, the EC has followed up diligently on the reform initiatives and coordinated the work of the major implementation and advisory bodies. This will continue to be so after its merger with the Education Board in early 2003. We firmly believe that effective communication and full cooperation is the key to the success of the reform. This booklet, the second progress report prepared by the EC in collaboration with various major executive and advisory bodies to inform the public of the overall Education Reform, is one of the channels to maintain effective communication. We hope that this regular reporting will help the public understand better the key tasks, progress and future development of the Education Reform. We have made significant progress towards the attainment of the
Education Reform. What we have achieved so far is the result of
the hard work of every member of the education profession. In order
to achieve the objective of the reform, namely to enable our students
to enjoy learning, enhance their effectiveness in communication
and develop sense of commitment and their creativity, the Government
and every stakeholder including the school sponsoring bodies, school
principals and teachers, parents and students, must work in close
partnership in securing the successful implementation of the Education
Reform.
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